Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 04:59:24 EST

From: Bapopik Bapopik[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]AOL.COM

Subject: Ringer; Deuces take 'em



RINGER



The DA has "ringer" from 1890, meaning "one who enters a contest under

false pretenses by keeping secret his identity and past performances."

This is from SPORTING LIFE, 28 April 1886, pg. 1, col. 2:



Theatrical Base Ballists.

On Thursday last the Walnut Street Theatre base ball nine, composed of

attaches of the theatre, sat rather heavily upon the McCaull Opera House team,

the latter thereby losing the set-out the gallant Colonel had promised them in

the event of victory. (...)

The feature of the game was the battery work of Wisner and Riley. The

Temple Theatre is anxious to try the mettle of manager Fleishman's boys, and a

game will probably be arranged. Look out for "ringers" from the _Record_

office.



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